Thapong spots new make- up
Thapong Visual Arts Centre is spotting a fresh new look. The art centre recently unveiled a stunning mural, which has given the centre a pop of colour. The mural was brought to life by three members of Thapong, namely John Makepe, Gofaone Thebeetsile and Mpho Kgopiso.
The mural that has traditional baskets, sesigo to mention a few objects has transformed the entrance of Thapong. As soon as you drive into the centre, you have this pop of life that just hugs and warmly welcomes you. Visitors feel right at home, and instantly fall in love with the traditional Botswana objects.
In an interview, the Coordinator of Thapong, Reginald Bakwena explains that the mural is part of a social corporate responsibility by the artists and Plascon Botswana. He further said that they wanted to transform the entrance of Thapong, and give it a new facelift. “We wanted to make it look like an art centre. We also wanted this mural to tell the story of some of the things that we do as an art centre,” he said.
Makepe tells this publication that it was a pleasure to work on this project. Makepe is a painter and impressionist artist, and this project was a walk in the park for him and his peers as they were doing something that they are very passionate about.
“We all enjoyed ourselves,” he said explaining that Thapong gave them the brief, and the rest was up to them.
“Thapong had a theme that they were going for,” he adds.
For his part, Thebeetsile who is busy working on a painting of a traditional basket collection, shares that he has always been passionate about art. His love for art dates back to his Junior school days, and he has been refining his craft over the years. He does Realism art, and he notes he really loves to create a piece of work that is identical to the real thing. “I paint an object such as these Ditlatlana just the way they are,” he says, noting that he wants to promote the culture of Batswana and preserve it.
Sales Manager for Plascon Botswana, Gaetshepe Piet explains that the project was part of their corporate social responsibility. The company continues to be invested in giving back to the community, he says. This was not the first time that they were working with Thapong as they have previously worked with the centre when it was undergoing refurbishing exercise a few years back. Besides Thapong, he notes that they have given back to the community in different projects.
With this particular one, they wanted to showcase their paints: “We also wanted to create awareness about the durable paints that we have on offer, and show off that they are long lasting, as well as their beauty,” he said.